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April 19, 2004
Death to all fanatics
1. Grab the nearest book."Only in this way can anti-intellectualism be checked and contained: I do not say eliminated altogether, for I believe not only that this is beyond our powers but also that an unbridled passion for the total elimination of this or that evil can be as dangerous as any of the delusions of our time"
2. Open the book to page 23.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
(from Anti-Intellectualism in American Life by Richard Hofstadter.)
And might I say, this is a damn good line from this book. Bravo!
an unbridled passion for the total elimination of this or that evil can be as dangerous as any of the delusions of our time
Indeed.
Posted by Azael at April 19, 2004 09:39 PM
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Comments
Let there be context. Lines 1-5.
#1 Thus I met Harry Hopkins, that extraordinary man, who played, and was to play, a sometimes decisive part in the whole movvement of the war.
#2 His was a soul that flamed out of a frail and failing body.
#3 He was a crumbling lighthouse from which there shone the beams that led great fleets to harbour.
#4 He also had a gift for sardonic humour.
#5 I ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS COMPANY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS WENT ILL.
Winston Churchill 'The Grand Alliance'
Posted by: Sovereign Eye at April 19, 2004 11:13 PM
:) That's a good one!
Posted by: Hal at April 20, 2004 06:17 AM
I'm selecting a book based on proximity, as suggested, and I'm posting it in your journal, because don't have one of my own. Also because, well, I'm just your biggest fan. *blush*
Ahem...
"One of the best ways to achieve unity in your paragraphs is to think through your subject BEFORE you start the actual writing."
-- Guide to Modern English for Grade 10. Scott, Foresman and Company, 1960.
Hmm. Maybe I should send my thumb-worn copy to Tom Friedman at the Times.
Posted by: CupaJoe at April 20, 2004 10:32 AM
< heh > Or a course on deductive reasoning, or maybe a short book on risk analysis. Or maybe even the "idiot's guide to occupation post planning".
Posted by: Hal at April 20, 2004 11:13 AM
